LinkedIn CEO steps aside after 11 years, says time is right
AP Technology Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 11 months AGO
NEW YORK (AP) — The LinkedIn professional networking service is getting a new CEO.
Jeff Weiner will become executive chairman after 11 years as chief of the Microsoft-owned business. Ryan Roslansky, senior vice president of product, will become CEO as of June 1.
Weiner said the timing felt right personally and professionally, with a ready successor.
Roslansky said LinkedIn's priority of serving the world's professionals isn't going to change.
LinkedIn is a social network for workers and job seekers. Recruiters use it to find new hires. Users can share their resumes, search for jobs and catch up on career advice and the latest news. The basic version is free, though LinkedIn charges to get additional features.
Weiner said he sees his new role as similar to how LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman helped him.
"He was there to help ensure that I was going to be successful," Weiner said in a video posted by LinkedIn. "So I'd like to replicate this process."
Weiner said he would still be available to represent the company and help with product or strategy reviews.
The service has about 675 million members, compared with 33 million when Weiner joined LinkedIn as CEO in 2008.
Microsoft bought the company for $26 billion in 2016, making it the Redmond, Washington, company's largest acquisition. LinkedIn’s annual revenue was $6.8 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June, up 28% from the previous fiscal year. That was 5.4% of Microsoft's total revenue.
Roslansky has been at LinkedIn for more than 10 years. He will report to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and join Microsoft's senior leadership team.
ARTICLES BY AP TECHNOLOGY WRITER
Twitter tightens limits on candidates ahead of US election
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Twitter is imposing tough new rules that restrict candidates from declaring premature victory and tighten its measures against spreading misinformation, calling for political violence and spreading thoughtless commentary in the days leading up to and following the Nov. 3 U.S. election.
Twitter tightens misinfo limits ahead of Nov. 3 US election
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Twitter is imposing tough new rules that restrict candidates from declaring premature victory and tighten its measures against spreading misinformation, calling for political violence and spreading thoughtless commentary in the days leading up to and following the Nov. 3 U.S. election.
Facebook braces for contested election, voter intimidation
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Facebook said it’s readied new safeguards for the 2020 U.S. elections that have it better prepared to deal with candidates who prematurely declare victory or contest official results and the possibility of voter intimidation by alleged — and potentially armed — “poll watchers.”